Microsoft Updates EULA, Can Now Disable Pirated Games Or Software

Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 10, which is now known to come with a caveat. If a user tries to run any pirated game or counterfeit software on Windows 10, then such software can be remotely uninstalled by Microsoft.

Updates EULA for Windows 10

Microsoft’s new privilege to remotely uninstall comes from the latest addition the company made to the End User License Agreement (EULA) terms of conditions. The statement, which has been added as a new caveat to the Windows 10, allows it to disable the counterfeit software and also hardware, and was first spotted by PC Authority in the EULA.

Microsoft states in the Section 7b or “Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms,” that for continuing using the services, the users will be required to keep their system updated with the new software releases. The company will automatically check the version of the software running on a particular system, and software updates and configuration changes will also be downloaded, “including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services.”

Microsoft needs to clear a few things up

Microsoft’s statement clearly states that pirated versions of games will be disabled, but it has not made clear what it means by unauthorized software. It is possible that Microsoft is hinting towards the hardware mods of devices like the Xbox One or the Xbox 360. It is also possible that the company will soon release a list of peripherals that have been categorized as unauthorized by the company, and will be blocked if found being used by anyone. Windows 10 runs across several devices and, therefore, the company needs to clarify what it means by ‘unauthorized hardware’.

How Microsoft will detect counterfeit software and games installed on a machine is also not known for now. Since Microsoft will be able to tell what software is installed on a user’s system, this raises privacy concerns. This new policy from the tech firm could pose a problem for users in many countries like India and China, where pirated software is widely used.

Author: Aman JainAman is MBA (Finance) with an experience on both Marketing and Finance side. He has worked as a Risk Analyst for AIR Worldwide, and is currently leading VeRa FinServ, a Financial Research firm. Favorite pastimes include watching science fiction movies, reviewing tech gadgets, playing PC games and cricket. - Email him at amanjain@valuewalk.com